Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu airport You will be met by our representative and transfer to hotel. After refreshment in hotel, short briefing about the programs. KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE: Durbar Square, one of the old capitals of the Kathmandu valley, is a synthesis of Hindu and Buddhist temples, stupas and statues, and is often the site of festivals, marriages and other ceremonies. Overnight at Royal Penguin Hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu city sightseeing (1315m) Today we explore the Kathmandu valley. SWOYAMBBHUNATH: Climb the many steps to Swayambhunath (the monkey temple) with its commanding views of Kathmandu, its whitewashed stupas and its unique synthesis of Buddhism and Hinduism. PASHUPATINATH: It’s a sacred temple complex on the banks of the holy Bagmati river. Here, monkeys run up and down the steps of the burning ghats, and trident-bearing saddhus draped in burnt-orange and yellow sit serenely meditating - when they are not posing for photos for rupees. BOUDHANATH: The striking Buddha eyes of Boudhanath Stupa watch over a lively and colorful Tibetan community and attract pilgrims from all over the Himalayan Buddhist realm. In the midst of traditional gompas, and hung with long strings of multi-colored prayer flags, Boudhanath attracts Sherpas, Tibetans and tourists alike for daily circumambulations (koras) of the stupa.
Day 03: Fly KTM – Lhasa: We drive to the airport to catch a flight to Lhasa. It’s a one hour and it gives you an opportunity to have an aerial view of the Mt. Everest and other Himalayas. We arrive at Gonggar Airport. After completing immigration and custom formalities, we drive to Lhasa which is a 93km drive from the Airport. It is situated in the altitude of 3670m. Upon arrival at Lhasa, we check in the hotel that resides in the heart of the city. Over night stay at Hotel.
Day 04: Lhasa Sightseeing - Potala Palace and Johkang Temple: In the morning, you will go to the most splendid museum, the Potala Palace, and explore the grandest of its myriad chapels. See the jeweled burial chorten of past Dalai Lamas as well as statuary, frescoes and paintings. Later visit the Jokhang Temple, which is considered as the most sacred temple in Tibet, it draws tremendous number of pilgrims from all over Tibet each year for its houses a magnificent image of Sakyamuni at 12 years old. Then stroll around Barkhor, a pilgrimage circuit that encircles the Jokhang, it also serves as the biggest bazaar in Lhasa, where you can find some handicrafts, ambers, jewelry, Tibetan clothes etc.. Overnight in Lhasa
Day05: Lhasa sightseeing - Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery: Today, you will explore Tibet's two greatest monasteries, Drepung and Sera. Which once housed about 10,000 monks. Drepung monastery is situated at the foothill of a mountain and was founded by Jamyang Choeje in 1416. The Ganden podrang is famous among them as it is the government centre during fifth Dalai lama and later moved to the famous Potala palace during fifth Dalai lama. In the afternoon exploring the Sera monastery which was founded in 1419 by Tsongkapa's disciple Jamchen Choeje. Overnight in Lhasa
Day 06: Lhasa to Gyantse (3950m) 261 km Moving along the Friendship Highway, you drive past Khamba La, at 4794 meter, with a brief halt to savor majestic views ofYamdrok-tso Lake and Nazin Kang Sa, standing at 7252m. On turning westwards, you come across another pass, Karo La at 5045m. If you look at the road, you can see huge glaciers tumbling down. After driving 261 km, beautifully landscaped Tibetan villages become visible as you enter the town of Gyantse.
Day 07: Sightseeing in Gyantse & drive to Shigatse (3900m) 90km Gyantse prides on Gyantse Dzong and Kumbum. Gyantse Dzong, a 14th century historical fort, overlooks the entire Gyantse and the surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. Kumbum has a large gold-domed stupa and houses several chapels and Tibetan Buddhist murals. After exploring Gyantse, you take a 90 km drive and arrive at Shigatse,(3900m) the second largest Tibetan city.
Day 08: Sightseeing & drive to Shegar (4050m) 244km. Today you will traverse along the Friendship Highway amidst picturesque landscape driving past small town of Lhatse and Gyamtso La pass at 5220m. As the route opens into plains, many monasteries and camps of nomadic herders become visible en route to Shegar. At Shegar, you will be accommodated at ‘Everest Resort’
Day 09: Drive to Rongbuk (5000m) 68km - Explore Everest base camp Away from Shegar, you will drive to the south crossing Pang La pass at 5150m. Along the drive you can bask in the splendor of majestic views of snow-capped peaks from Makalu to Shishapangma. After driving for 68 km, you eventually reach Rongbuk at 5000m. You can then view spectacular sight of Mount Everest.
Day 10: Explore EBC: Sightseeing You have the opportunity to explore Everest Base Camp (5150m.) The base camp itself is dry and barren, but the views of Everest more than compensates for it. It truly is an awe-inspiring place with the sheer north face of the highest mountain in the world towering above you. Overnight accommodation at a guest house.
Day 11: Drive to Zhangmu (2300m) 181km You will drive past Tingri crossing Lalung La pass at 5124m and Shug La pass at 5200m. Savoring the enchanting views of the surrounding peaks of Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri Shankar, you descend from the arid Tibetan Plateau to verdant Zhangmu on the Nepalese border. After driving for 181 km, you find yourself amidst the lush and verdant vegetation of Zhangmu at 2300 meter.
Day 12: Zhangmu to Kathmandu. A few kilometers drive away from Zhangmu to Friendship Bridge across Bhote Koshi river brings you to the Immigration Control in Kodari. Here, you will part with your Tibetan guide and driver, and walk across the river to meet your Nepalese escort who will drive you to Kathmandu. After driving 5 hours for 123 km, you finally arrive in Kathmandu.
Day 13: Sightseeing in Kathamndu: Early in the morning, you could enjoy optional mountain flight tours to Mt. Everest. In the afternoon, we will tour to Bhaktapur Durbar Square & some other places in Kathmandu. Bhaktapur Durbar Square: This Square is an open museum holding exciting palace, courtyards, royal bath, sculptures, pagodas, Shikhara style temples and Buddhist monastery along with exclusive architecture. In other words, this is the most beautiful Durbar you visit in your Nepal tours. Overnight at Royal Penguin Hotel.
Day 14: Departure: After breakfast we'll head towards airport for final departure or continue your onwards trips. Tour ends with THANK YOU!
Package Cost: US $ 4600
In the aforementioned tours, It is also possible to take 1 hr mountain flight to Everest.
SERVICES INCLUDED: Accommodation in Kathmandu in Aria Boutique Hotel & Spa or Royal Penguin Boutique Hotel & Spa, double occupancy, with breakfast Accommodation in hotels and guesthouses in Tibet, double occupancy, on BB basis in cities (Bed and Breakfast) English speaking Tour guide in Kathmandu & Tibetan Guide in Tibet. Transportation as per the itinerary by Jeep Entry fee of mention sightseeing places in Tibet. All necessary permits Tibet Group Visa Fee Airfare KATHMANDU – LHASA Border Transfer Kodari – Kathmandu All Govt. Taxes.
SERVICES EXCLUDED: Travel Insurance Sightseeing entrance fees in Kathmandu. Lunch and Dinner in cities up to Shigatse Nepal re-entry visa fee Liquor beverages (hard and soft drinks) Expenses of personal nature, phone calls, laundry etc Gratuity to staff Service of porter while crossing Friendship Bridge Services of Porter and other vehicles in between in case of landslides and other natural calamities beyond our control and expenses incurred during rescue services Services not mentioned here.